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1816TYPO3 - get.content.righthttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssFri, 18 Aug 2017 00:03:00 +0000Emission regulations hindering generator set saleshttp://www.plantengineering.com/single-article/emission-regulations-hindering-generator-set-sales/185d26d0ccb64ec7fe3af973cf90205f.html
Emission regulations in the United States and Europe, along with volatile oil prices, is expected...The generator sets market has been extremely volatile since the fall of global oil prices, and emission regulations have contributed significantly to an already challenging market environment. In 2016, the estimated worth of the world market for generator sets was approximately $13.8 billion. In 2017, revenue is forecast to decline 3.6%.
The regulatory environment for diesel off-road engines and therefore generator sets is becoming more challenging. In 2015, the market saw the final introduction of the US EPA's tier 4 regulations in the United States for all diesel off-road engines over 560 kW. In the three preceding years, these tier 4 regulations had been phased in for all diesel engines below 560 kW. Tier 4 regulations limit emissions of CO2, PM and NOx, for some power ranges by up to 90 percent of previous standards. The cost of adding exhaust gas treatment such as selective catalytic reduction devices is anticipated to increase the cost of the final genset unit.
European regulations set similar ranges to those set by the US EPA. Stage 4 requirements in Europe have been in place for stationary engines since 2014. Of note, Stage 5 regulations have been confirmed for introduction in 2019. Most manufacturers interviewed believe that this will have a slight dampening effect on sales for generator sets. As each new tier of emissions regulation is enforced, the manufacturers R&D cost of meeting the new emissions standard increases. These costs must be passed on to the customer or absorbed thereby reducing supplier profit margins. With 2017 forecast to be a down year for global generator set sales, manufactures are currently absorbing the bulk of these cost increases.
Outside North America and Europe, the regulatory picture becomes more mixed. In Japan, the equivalent of tier 4 regulations is now in place up to 560 kW. China is currently on the equivalent of EPA tier ½ for off-road regulations to allow its domestic manufacturers to hold market share in the country. In India, regulations have been in place since 2014 and are similar to those of EPA tier 4. Genset suppliers indicate that they expect more regions and countries to adopt and enforce EPA tier 4 or 5 equivalent standards in the future. This ongoing development could potentially diminish generator set sales in emerging markets where these standards have yet to go into effect.
Greg Johnson, senior analyst, capital equipment & machinery, IHS Markit. IHS Markit is a CFE Media content partner. Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, Control Engineering, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.]]>Sustainable EngineeringSlider Homepage Item - CTLShare on PEMechanical NewsIndustry TrendsMechanical EngineeringSyndicationIndustry: Manufacturing (General Or Unspecified)SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house)SyndicationSource: Content Partner - IMS Research/IHS Inc.SyndicationTopic: System IntegrationThu, 17 Aug 2017 18:00:00 +0000Record sales reported in robotics, machine vision, and motor technologyhttp://www.plantengineering.com/single-article/record-sales-reported-in-robotics-machine-vision-and-motor-technology/fe40bd03d29e84f39a78c9c404ad7ac1.html
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) reported sales records were set in the areas of...The Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating, announced today the results of its research on robotics and automation trends, sales, and growth. A3 provides quarterly statistical reports to its members for benchmarking and business intelligence purposes. As expected, many records were set in the areas of robotics, machine vision, motion control and motor technology for the first half of 2017.
Robotics
The North American robotics market had its best opening half ever to begin 2017, setting new records in all four statistical categories (order units, order revenue, shipment units, and shipment revenue). In total, 19,331 robots valued at approximately $1.031 billion were sold in North America during the first half of 2017, which is the highest level ever recorded to begin a year. These figures represent growth of 33% in units and 26% in dollars over 2016. Automotive related orders grew substantially in that time, increasing 39% in units and 37% in dollars, while non-automotive orders also grew 21% in units and 10% in dollars over the first half of 2016.
Motion control and motors
For the first half of 2017, orders for motion control and motor products amounted to $1.622 billion, up 14% over the first six months of 2016. Shipments totaled $1.757 billion, up 10% over the first half of 2016, and the fastest growing categories in that timeframe, in terms of shipments, were motion controllers (21% to $97 million), sensors and feedback devices (20% to $76 million), actuators and mechanical systems (17% to $318 million), and ac drives (17% to $199 million).
Vision and imaging
In 2017, the machine vision market in North America also posted its best first half performance compared to any other year. A total of $1.241 billion was sold in the first six months of the year, with an increase of 11% over the same period in 2016. Machine vision component markets were up 11% in total to $177 million and systems increased 10% to $1.058 billion. Some notable growth rates were: lighting (20% to $35 million), smart cameras (16% to $183 million), and optics (16% to $20 million).
Experts expect software to trend up. Cameras, lighting, and imaging boards are projected to be flat; optics are projected to trend down over the next six months. Additionally, expectations are for application specific machine vision (ASMV) systems to increase and smart cameras to remain flat in the next two quarters.
Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
www.a3automate.org ]]>Machine ControlProcess ControlSlider Homepage Item - CTLShare on PEMechanical NewsMechanical EngineeringIndustry TrendsAutomation NewsAutomation EngineeringSyndicationIndustry: Manufacturing (General Or Unspecified)Thu, 17 Aug 2017 15:37:17 +0000Seven tips for proper bearing maintenance http://www.plantengineering.com/single-article/seven-tips-for-proper-bearing-maintenance/a541e08f218412ee75889dccea98e053.html
Bearings are important mechanical components that help in maintaining the liner and rotational...Bearings play a significant role in the free and unrestricted movement of mechanical parts or components, from your car wheels to your skateboards as well as many other things too. Bearings bear the weight of the load and make things move without any or with much less friction. In a world without bearings, mechanically moving parts will malfunction and stick, preventing smooth operation. Bearing life can be affected based on the type of bearing, the load they are asked to carry and the maintenance schedule. Properly maintained, bearing life can be extended and downtime can be reduced.
Here are seven tips for bearing maintenance to help ensure a longer lifespan.
1. Handle with care
Bearings are delicate enough to get damaged quickly. As such, it is very important that they are stored horizontally in a clean and dry environment with their packaging intact. Do not expose them to any airborne contaminants, as even a tiny speck of dirt can cause premature failure. Never hammer or pound them, or apply a direct force on it or its outer ring, which can cause damage to the rolling elements, resulting in misalignment. The most important thing to remember is to never remove bearings from their packaging until ready for use.
2. Check the bearing housing and shaft
Whenever a bearing is used for mounting, it is crucial that the housing and shaft are inspected for any sort of physical condition or damage. Always use a soft cloth to wipe the surfaces clean and make sure any nicks and burrs are removed.
3. Mount the bearings correctly
The method used to mount the bearings depends on the type of bearing. For example, bearings with cylindrical bores are generally mounted through a press fit method. Bearings with tapered bores can be mounted directly on tapered or cylindrical shafts with the use of tapered sleeves. However, pressure should be applied only with a press fit because without it the raceways can become damaged.
4. Avoid preheating or overheating
The maximum heating allowed on the bearings depends on the heat treatment of the material. If they are heated above the permitted limit, they can permanently deform or soften the bearing steel, lowering load carrying capacity and resulting in a failure. Always heat the bearings using induction heaters, and never with an open flame.
5. Always use the proper tools
Specialized tools like bearing pullers, bearing fitting tool kits, oil injector kits, hydraulic nuts, or induction heaters should be used in the mounting and dismounting processes. These tools ensure the smooth process of mounting or dismounting, in order to minimize the risk of damage.
6. Avoid corrosion
It is crucial that you should not expose bearings to the presence of water for a long time, as it will lead to rust and corrosion. It will also cause the premature failure of the bearings, which can affect the machine performance and productivity. As a result, it will increase your operating costs. Also, make sure to wear gloves when handling bearings. Perspiration can also lead to rust and corrosion.
7. Proper lubrication
If you want to have a prolonged life of your bearings, it is crucial that they should be properly lubricated. The correct lubricant depends on the environmental conditions, temperature, speed and load. In this case, it is advisable that you should follow your manufacturer's recommendations.
Nancy Ross is with Bearing Boys Ltd. Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, Control Engineering, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.]]>Mechanical EngineeringMaintenance & ManagementIndustry TrendsMaintenance & Management NewsMechanical NewsSyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house)SyndicationSource: End UserSyndicationTopic: MaintenanceSyndicationTopic: MechanicalSyndicationType: ArticleThu, 17 Aug 2017 10:00:00 +0000Technical center for CNCs, machine learning expandedhttp://www.plantengineering.com/single-article/technical-center-for-cncs-machine-learning-expanded/36fc97d4bf8c56665d7ac2fa9c5ac586.html
Siemens announced the expansion of its Technical Application Center (TAC), which is designed to...Siemens announced the expansion of its Technical Application Center (TAC), which is designed to offer machine tool dealers, importers and end-users of computer numerical controls (CNCs) a wide range of learning opportunities including classroom training, online instructor-led training, and online self-paced training. Operating since 2009, the TAC provides the ideal setting for enhancing your CNC machining knowledge. The facility occupies more than 3,150-sq-ft of space at the Elk Grove Village, Ill. facility, which is a short drive from O'Hare International Airport. The expanded machine lab now features three milling machines and one turning center for hands-on learning as well as a robotic center. Two classrooms provide students with instructor-led, hands-on training using software and CNC simulators.
"Manufacturers are continuously looking for ways to train their employees on evolving CNC technologies as they transition to digital factories. Hands-on training and virtual programs like these are extremely important," said Sascha Fischer, segment manager, Siemens Motion Control, Machine Tool Business.
Professional-level training courses are offered on topics including:

Mixed technology operation and programming

Flexible numerical control (NC) programming

Multi-channel operation and programming

Advanced measuring cycles

Post-processor development

Programmable logic controller (PLC) commissioning and service

4th-axis integration

Part and tool probe installation.

In addition to the expansion of the TAC, a virtual TAC is also available to individuals looking to expand their CNC knowledge. The virtual TAC is open to anyone and available at no cost allowing individuals to watch professional-series webinars online. Webinar topics include milling and turning, general operations, and maintenance and service. Virtual one-on-one, custom tailored training courses can be requested for larger user groups looking to enhance specific skills of their programmer and operator teams.
Siemens
www.siemens.com
- Edited from a Siemens press release by CFE Media. See more Control EngineeringCNC and motion control stories.]]>Machine ControlSlider Homepage Item - CTLShare on PEMechanical EngineeringIndustry TrendsMechanical NewsSyndicationIndustry: Machinery And Heavy Equipment (Including Machine Tools)SyndicationIndustry: Manufacturing (General Or Unspecified)SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house)SyndicationSource: Manufacturer - SiemensWed, 16 Aug 2017 18:25:23 +0000Three key steps for an ERP performance reviewhttp://www.plantengineering.com/single-article/three-key-steps-for-an-erp-performance-review/94ec4a767a694ced1c461c7bd07d58eb.html
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems that are outdated and haven't been updated are in dire...
Like annual employee performance reviews, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system needs one, too. When it comes to ERP performance, many enterprises think it is a one-and-done proposition to implement an ERP solution, especially given the time and resources devoted to its deployment.
However, if an ERP has fallen into the category of a "legacy" system—one that is outdated and/or has not been updated—it's time for a performance review. Are users increasingly not using it to its fullest or finding manual ways to accomplish what the ERP is supposed to be doing? Are users enthusiastic about using it, especially younger staff members? How old is it?
It's crucial to measure how well the ERP is currently performing to decide if a new ERP would better serve the enterprise or if the company can continue to depend on it. A business process review will provide the necessary answers.
In an ERP performance review, two overarching questions stand out:

Is it time to begin the process of upgrading the company's ERP?

By staying put, is the company missing out on other benefits?

There are three major factors to consider if an ERP is providing the best possible performance or if it's time to update it. An ERP selection project is a major undertaking and one that deserves serious analysis of the value and risks associated with it.
1. Consider the value of the current ERP
The best first step in an ERP performance review process is an unbiased assessment of the value of the current ERP. Determine whether it is keeping its promises in terms of value. Assess whether or not it performs as it did on Day One.
Think about these five areas of value:

Does the ERP still support all current business features and functions?

How well is the ERP integrated with all external systems, applications, customers and suppliers?

How is the end-user technology operating?

Look and feel: Is it intuitive?

Workflow: Does it synchronize with our current process?

Is it fully integrated with Windows?

Does it provide the company with real-time information and business intelligence, with these must-haves:

Dashboards

Scorecards

Data cubes

Report publishing

Culture: Does the ERP fit with how the company does business today?

2. Examine potential risk
Oftentimes, risk is only discussed when the business is in the middle of a meltdown following an unexpected development. However, it's vital to look at risks that threaten the health of the system on a routine basis. Consider these questions about risk:

How is the integrity and day-to-day performance of the hardware/software? Has it been updated on schedule? Are all modules working as initially designed?

How well is the vendor supporting the system? Is that support in line with the initial contract? How expensive is it?

How secure is the ERP? Cybercrimes are increasing every day; is the system protected?

Does the information technology (IT) staff have too much to handle in the way of support and maintenance?

How well has the system kept up with industry standards/government regulations and compliance issues?

3. Analyze business processes
Business process analysis is where the heavy lifting really comes in. It's an important step and one that many enterprises are unwilling or unable to take. It's an assessment of areas of the business that might need transformation to become more efficient and cost conscious. Such an analysis forms the structure and identifies the information needed to develop new and improved business processes. Review the current state of operations, implement process improvements and deliver a confident business case that justifies the ERP decision.
This article originally appeared on Ultra Consultants' website. Ultra Consultants is a CFE Media content partner. Edited by Hannah Cox, content specialist, hcox@cfemedia.com.]]>System IntegrationShare on PESyndicationIndustry: Manufacturing (General Or Unspecified)SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house)SyndicationSource: Content Partner - Ultra ConsultantsSyndicationTopic: MaintenanceSyndicationType: ArticleSyndication: Maintenance (PredictivePreventiveCMMS)Information ControlSlider Homepage Item - CTLWed, 16 Aug 2017 14:30:00 +0000Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, August 7-13: motor testing, preventative maintenance, index testing, morehttp://www.plantengineering.com/single-article/top-5-plant-engineering-articles-august-7-13-motor-testing-preventative-maintenance-index-testing-more/f33926e63ace43b2ef5da5518d2260d5.html
Articles about motor testing, preventative maintenance, index testing, augmented reality, and...Plant Engineering's top 5 most read articles from August 7-13, covered motor testing, preventative maintenance, index testing, augmented reality, and operational improvement. Link to each article below.1. The benefits of testing a 3-phase electric motor
Testing a three-phase motor with a polarization index test (PI), megger test, or surge test on a regular basis helps extend the life of the motor.
2. Three methods of preventive maintenance that should not be overlooked
Sound level analysis, ultrasonics, and vibration analysis along with other preventive maintenance techniques help prevent unexpected equipment failure and downtime..
3. Polarization index testing benefits
Polarization index (PI) testing is an extension of the insulation resistance test and is designed to check specific issues in a motor such as moisture and insulation deterioration.
4. Augmented Reality for manufacturing and process control applications
Using data analysis to find out what the dominant products within a facility are and the processes used to create them and how they flow within a plant facility is a useful way to make a company Leaner.
5. Rewarding operational improvement: Target changes, not just numbers
Rewarding individual operators, and operations as a group, means recognizing them for their performance and acknowledging their contributions to their organization's goals.
This list was developed using CFE Media's web analytics for stories viewed on www.plantengineering.com, August 7-13, for articles published within the last two months.
Sierra Grayson, Production Coordinator, CFE Media, sgrayson@cfemedia.com.]]>Automation EngineeringMaintenance & ManagementSlider Homepage Item - PLEIndustry TrendsSyndicationType: ArticleSyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house)Syndication: Events and Awards (Leaders Under 40Product of the YearTop PlantSystem Integrator Giants)Mon, 14 Aug 2017 14:06:25 +0000Preparatory to the last migrationhttp://www.plantengineering.com/single-article/preparatory-to-the-last-migration/e6c2a4282273e0c172aff091e99b1a41.html
Vimal Kapur speaks of the next generation of innovation in plant and field operations and how...According to Vimal Kapur, president of Honeywell Process Solutions, five emergent technologies are crucial to unleashing the next generation of innovation in plant and field operations. Kapur spoke at a recent 2017 Honeywell Users Group Americas event.
The depth and breadth of impending change can be compared to circa 1975, when computer-aided design, enterprise-resources planning, programmable-logic controllers, and distributed-control systems were being introduced into industrial settings.
The five inflection-point technologies Kapur cited are virtualization, the cloud, the connected plant, digitization, and virtual reality.
"Despite the rather limited spend by process-industry customers the last several years," said Kapur, "virtualized machines have become very important. In fact, use of virtualized servers is growing 30% a year. Their increased deployment means availability grows even as costs fall."
Big, grey, and looming
The cloud is lowering the total installed cost of solutions. While residence in the cloud already is common for enterprise-business and customer-relationship management applications, it is still relatively rare in process production.
"That will change quickly," Kapur said. "Cloud-based SCADA can reduce the implementation time of a project to a few weeks as compared to eight to 10 months. Historians also will move to the cloud. A cloud infrastructure means control centers can be located anywhere. Software versions are always up to date. Procuring SCADA assets moves from being a capital expenditure to an operations expenditure."
Still to be decided is whether in future process control itself will move to the cloud.
The connected plant starts with the promulgation of a digital twin, which can combine first-principles, empirical, and equipment models. It also incorporates technologies associated with IIoT, including low-cost sensing, systems connectivity and interoperability, and analytics.
With a connected process in hand, connected assets ensure equipment reliability, and connected people collaborate to bring experience-based intuitive insight to bear.
Digitization hasn't yet transformed our work lives as much as it has our private lives, Kapur said. For example, while technicians and maintenance personnel may have access to an on-line inventory portal, they still work largely in a world defined by the past. The potential exists for analytics to transform supply chains as much as it has altered strategies in major-league sports.
The slog forward
Barriers to adoption are inevitable. Many installed technologies can't easily assimilate the new technologies. Cybersecurity concerns and simple fear of change can slow adoption of a new paradigm. This even though thousands of systems in versions no longer supplier-supported remain in active use.
You can hardly blame those responsible. Replacing a distributed-control system may entail altering the arrangement of as many as 10,000 wires. Documentation of the control strategies executed may be as scarce as up-to-date wiring schematics.
What could provide encouragement to those anxious to move forward is that, as hardwired functions morph into software code and as infrastructure moves to the cloud, users may be approaching their last migration. This is so because, henceforth, keeping process-control system profiles current will be accomplished continuously rather than by means of long-over-due batch upgrades.
Kevin Parker, senior contributing editor, Oil & Gas Engineering, kparker@cfemedia.com.]]>Process ControlMagazine2015FebruaryAprilJuneAugustOctoberDecember2016Sat, 12 Aug 2017 10:00:00 +0000Five characteristics of cloud computinghttp://www.plantengineering.com/single-article/five-characteristics-of-cloud-computing/6fbe8bf42715ae65fa4d61dd61ef1a73.html
Cloud computing's characteristics and benefits include on-demand self-service, broad network...1. On-demand self-service
Cloud computing resources can be provisioned without human interaction from the service provider. In other words, a manufacturing organization can provision additional computing resources as needed without going through the cloud service provider. This can be a storage space, virtual machine instances, database instances, and so on.
Manufacturing organizations can use a web self-service portal as an interface to access their cloud accounts to see their cloud services, their usage, and also to provision and de-provision services as they need to.
2. Broad network access
Cloud computing resources are available over the network and can be accessed by diverse customer platforms. It other words, cloud services are available over a network—ideally high broadband communication link—such as the internet, or in the case of a private clouds it could be a local area network (LAN).
Network bandwidth and latency are very important aspects of cloud computing and broad network access, because they relate to the quality of service (QoS) on the network. This is particularly important for serving time sensitive manufacturing applications.
3. Multi-tenancy and resource pooling
Cloud computing resources are designed to support a multi-tenant model. Multi-tenancy allows multiple customers to share the same applications or the same physical infrastructure while retaining privacy and security over their information. It's similar to people living in an apartment building, sharing the same building infrastructure but they still have their own apartments and privacy within that infrastructure. That is how cloud multi-tenancy works.
Resource pooling means that multiple customers are serviced from the same physical resources. Providers' resource pool should be very large and flexible enough to service multiple client requirements and to provide for economy of scale. When it comes to resource pooling, resource allocation must not impact performances of critical manufacturing applications.
4. Rapid elasticity and scalability
One of the great things about cloud computing is the ability to quickly provision resources in the cloud as manufacturing organizations need them. And then to remove them when they don't need them. Cloud computing resources can scale up or down rapidly and, in some cases, automatically, in response to business demands. It is a key feature of cloud computing. The usage, capacity, and therefore cost, can be scaled up or down with no additional contract or penalties.
Elasticity is a landmark of cloud computing and it implies that manufacturing organizations can rapidly provision and de-provision any of the cloud computing resources. Rapid provisioning and de-provisioning might apply to storage or virtual machines or customer applications.
With cloud computing scalability, there is less capital expenditure on the cloud customer side. This is because as the cloud customer needs additional computing resources, they can simply provision them as needed, and they are available right away. Scalability is more planned and gradual. For instance, scalability means that manufacturing organizations are gradually planning for more capacity and of course the cloud can handle that scaling up or scaling down.
Just-in-time (JIT) service is the notion of requiring cloud elasticity either to provision more resources in the cloud or less. For example, if a manufacturing organization all of a sudden needs more computing power to perform some kind of complex calculation, this would be cloud elasticity that would be a just-in-time service. On the other hand, if the manufacturing organization needs to provision human-machine interface (HMI) tags in the database for a manufacturing project, that is not really just-in-time service, it is planned ahead of time. So it is more on the scalability side than elasticity.
Another feature available for rapid elasticity and scalability in the cloud is related to testing of manufacturing applications. If a manufacturing organization needs, for example, a few virtual machines to test a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system before they roll it out in production, they can have it up and running in minutes instead of physically ordering and waiting for hardware to be shipped.
In terms of the bottom line, when manufacturing organizations need to test something in the cloud, they are paying for what they use as they use it. As long as they remember to de-provision it, they will no longer be paying for it. There is no capital expense here for computer resources. Manufacturing organizations are using the cloud provider's investment in cloud computing resources instead. This is really useful for testing smart manufacturing solutions.
5. Measured service
Cloud computing resources usage is metered and manufacturing organizations pay accordingly for what they have used. Resource utilization can be optimized by leveraging charge-per-use capabilities. This means that cloud resource usage—whether virtual server instances that are running or storage in the cloud—gets monitored, measured and reported by the cloud service provider. The cost model is based on "pay for what you use"—the payment is variable based on the actual consumption by the manufacturing organization.
Goran Novkovic, MESA International. This article originally appeared on MESA International's blog. MESA International is a CFE Media content partner. Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.]]>Information ControlManufacturing ITSlider Homepage Item - CTLSyndicationIndustry: ComputersInformation SystemsAnd Office MachinesShare on PEAutomation NewsIndustry TrendsAutomation EngineeringSyndicationSource: Content Partner - MESA International SyndicationTopic: Information ManagementFri, 11 Aug 2017 13:00:00 +0000Artificial intelligence can produce tangible process improvementshttp://www.plantengineering.com/single-article/artificial-intelligence-can-produce-tangible-process-improvements/aa5a790e70edee0ac017da87dc24c4ea.html
Sudip Singh, senior vice president and global business unit head of engineering services at...A recent report released by Infosys, a global technology and consulting company, looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) will be used in manufacturing and other business sectors to improve training and operations.
The study, called “Human Amplification in the Enterprise” discussed the use of AI in manufacturing as well as the barriers to its adoption. Sudip Singh, senior vice president and global business unit head of engineering services at Infosys, discussed the future uses of AI and the state of the digital transformation with Plant Engineering:Plant Engineering (PE): How do you define the term “artificial intelligence?"Singh: For the purposes of this research, AI was defined as an area of computer science that emphasizes the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans.
PE: How do the survey respondents think AI will help their business efforts?Singh: Across industries, there is a clear link between an organization’s revenue growth and its AI maturity, and that is also evident in the manufacturing industry. According to our research, 80% of enterprises in the manufacturing and high tech sector are undergoing full-cycle digital transformations to become AI-driven and therefore faster, more agile and more efficient.
These organizations are looking to AI to provide human-like recommendations for automated customer support/advice (60%); want AI to process complex structured and unstructured data and to automate insights-led decisions (58%); and want to use AI to create a simulated experience that is essential to a decision-making process (48%).
PE: There seems to be a disconnection between manufacturers who say they are undergoing a “digital transformation” and the amount of actual transformation. As you analyze the study, where is manufacturing along this journey of digital transformation?Singh: Even though a majority of enterprises in the manufacturing and high tech sector are undergoing digital transformation, few have fully accomplished their stated goals. This is due to a lack of data-led insights on demand (67%); lack of collaboration among teams (51%); and lack of time (40%). And when IT processionals were asked about difficulties in achieving their enterprises' full-cycle digital transformation, respondents cited IT misalignment (68%); entrenched resistance to change within the organization (59%); and time constraints (51%).
This suggests there is a disconnect within organizations that undergo these transformations. Until more senior level IT-decision makers buy into the benefits of bringing AI to manufacturing, teams won’t have access to the proper resources to support full-scale implementations, and will therefore deprioritize digital transformation initiatives. Time and again digital transformation projects are abandoned because pockets of an organization are resistant to change, but by getting buy-in from the right advocates, digital transformations can continue, driving innovation forward.
PE: How should AI be used in training the current manufacturing workforce?Singh: As AI continues to disrupt the current workforce, it's critical to move past our conventional views of education, and instead shift our focus to holistic, continuous, and lifelong learning. This is a shared view across industries, including manufacturing.
For example, according to our research, respondents say lifelong learning is extremely important to their organizations. Of the reasons for why lifelong learning programs are important, 61% say it improves their ability to fit into new roles and jobs; 25% say it improves their productivity; and 10% say it prevents skills loss when employees with highly specialized skills retire or switch jobs.
Whether AI itself will play a role in training human workers is a facet of AI maturity that remains to be seen.
PE: Is there a sense that there is a generational gap in the way AI is perceived and implemented? If so, how can that gap be overcome?Singh: The rhetoric around AI has been mislabeled, misunderstood, and largely based in fear. Discussions around AI tend to gravitate toward negative connotations of the technology, but we’re doing a disservice by not focusing on the true value of the technology, which is to amplify human potential.
Organizations can shift the perception of AI by leveraging transformative AI solutions that take work to whole new level, enabling us to do more than we could have ever imagined. In manufacturing specifically, having AI and automation taking over more of the known, well-defined work means we can exercise our human creativity and ingenuity to find new problems and opportunities and create new kinds of products, experiences, and value that do not yet exist.
PE: In your survey, 43% said that making better use of data for business decisions is a difficult goal to achieve. What should manufacturers do to overcome this barrier?Singh: Organizations will be unable to experience the benefits of AI until they implement information governance strategies that allow them to make better use of their data. However, this is much easier said than done and we continue to see data projects fail because of how companies are organizing their data.
But to capitalize on AI investments, companies need the capabilities to transform insights into actions. Automation will be critical in overcoming this barrier. By eliminating low-level manual processes, organizations can free up human resources, thus amplifying human potential to deliver more value and creativity further up the value chain.
By The Numbers
The Infosys report states, “A majority of enterprises in the Manufacturing and High Tech sector (80%) are undergoing full-cycle digital transformation. (Another) 15% are transforming partially or in pockets and 5% are not currently transforming but will do so in the near future.
Among the AI-supported technologies and uses that respondents said would impact their digital transformation are:

Machine Learning 79%

Institutionalization of enterprise knowledge 66%

Cognitive AI-led processes and tasks 60%

Automation of decision-making 54%

Building AI-based applications to amplify

and improve products and services 53%

Robotic automation 46%

Source: “Human Amplification in the Enterprise” report, Infosys.]]>PEInterConnecting Automation: PLCs--Sensors and I/OJuneInterConnecting Automation: Variable Frequency DrivesJuly/AugustInterConnecting Automation: PLCs--SwitchesCircuitsBasic FunctionsSeptemberShare on CEOctoberShare on CSEThu, 10 Aug 2017 14:21:24 +0000Indiana educators receive certification to teach manufacturing to high school studentshttp://www.plantengineering.com/single-article/indiana-educators-receive-certification-to-teach-manufacturing-to-high-school-students/f33a962ffb53259942035f4747b2907b.html
The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) and Conexus Indiana have partnered to train...
The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) and Conexus Indiana recently completed an intensive training program for 85 Indiana teachers to deliver the first-ever national advanced manufacturing certification program for high school students.
Conexus Indiana delivers MSSC Safety and Quality content through Hire Tech, a 2-year turn-key high school curriculum that offers students Ivy Tech Community College dual credits toward a degree following high school graduation, and national industry credentials that will help them enter an advanced manufacturing and logistics career after high school. Conexus Indiana’s partnership with MSSC marks the first statewide implementation of MSSC Safety and MSSC Quality Practices and Measurement content for high school students.
“Manufacturing executives have argued for decades, and still argue, that they need more workers with deeper technical and creative problem-solving skills to be competitive in global markets,” said Leo Reddy, who leads MSSC to bolster the nation’s economic competitiveness. “While we’ve made progress over the years, much more work needs to be done.”
“Skilled talent is at the heart of our mission to maintain a leadership position in the design and manufacture of diesel and alternative fuel engines,” said Stan Woszczynski, vice president, chief manufacturing officer, Cummins, Inc. “We employ more than 55,000 people around the world and hire employees with many different skill sets. Employees with industry-recognized credentials, including those with MSSC certifications, help us deliver on our promise of innovation, and these employees have a strong foundation to successfully build a career at Cummins.”
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) is an industry-led, training, assessment and certification system focused on the core skills and knowledge needed by the nation’s front-line production and material handling workers. The nationwide MSSC System, based upon industry-defined and federally endorsed standards, offers both entry-level and incumbent workers the opportunity to demonstrate that they have acquired the skills increasingly needed in the technology-intensive jobs of the 21st century.
MSSC Safety and Quality content is offered to students through Hire Tech at more than 200 Indiana high schools. Students who successfully complete MSSC’s Certified Production Technician Safety exam and MSSC’s Certified Production Technician Quality exam hold a level of safety and quality sufficient to begin a middle-skill career in the advanced manufacturing industry.
“With one out of 5 Hoosiers working in manufacturing and the state’s manufacturing sector continuing to grow, Indiana has focused much of its workforce efforts on preparing the next generation of advanced manufacturing talent,” said Claudia Cummings, vice president of Conexus Indiana Workforce and Strategic Initiatives. “Conexus Indiana, through its industry, education and government partners, developed Hire Tech and forged a successful partnership with MSSC to ensure Indiana students can succeed in industry careers.”
- Edited by Hannah Cox, content specialist, CFE Media, hcox@cfemedia.com.]]>System IntegrationSyndicationIndustry: Manufacturing (General Or Unspecified)SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house)SyndicationTopic: Discrete ManufacturingSyndication: Discrete ManufacturingSyndicationTopic: Education and TrainingSyndicationTopic: Education and TrainingSyndication: STEMShare on PEAutomation EngineeringSun, 06 Aug 2017 10:00:00 +0000